Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Chlorpheniramine maleate and Epinephrine miscell.

Chlorpheniramine maleate and Epinephrine miscell. Drug Category EPINEPHRINE W/CHLORPHENIRAMINE ALLERGY KIT

Chlorpheniramine maleate and Epinephrine miscell. Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. EPINEPHRINE W/CHLORPHENIRAMINE ALLERGY KIT (ep-in-EFF-rin WITH klor-fen-IR-uh-meen) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ana-Kit USES: This medication is used in emergencies to treat potentially dangerous allergic reactions to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs or other substances. It is also used for severe asthma attacks. HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection either subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly and is designed to be self-administered. To use, twist and remove the container cap. Remove the syringe from its container. Remove (by pulling off) the plastic needle cover. Expel any air and excess drug from the syringe by pointing the needle straight up into the air and pushing the plunger until the plunger stops. Rotate the rectangular plunger 1/4 turn to the right to align with the slot in the barrel of the syringe. Wipe injection site with an alcohol swab if one is readily available. Even if none are available, proceed to next step. Insert the needle straight into the upper arm or upper thigh. (Do not insert needle near a vein.) Push the plunger until it stops. Syringe will automatically inject a 0.3ml (milliliter) dose sufficient for adults and those over 12 years of age. Chew and swallow four of the chlorpheniramine tablets included in this kit. For children less than 12 years old administer the following amount in mls (milliliters) for the injection and the number of chewable tablets needed: infants to 2 years of age - 0.05ml to 0.1ml and one tablet; 2 to 6 years of age - 0.15ml and one tablet; 6 to 12 years - 0.2ml and two tablets. The effects of this medication should be felt within seconds. If after 10 minutes the symptoms are not significantly better, use a second injection. To prepare the syringe for the second injection turn the plunger 1/4 turn to the right. It may be necessary to wiggle the plunger a little to get it to turn and align with the slot. If one is available, wipe the intended injection site with an alcohol swab prior to inserting the needle into the arm/leg. Even if alcohol swabs are not available, proceed to inject the second dose in a spot different from where the first one was given as directed above. After use discard the unit properly. If a second injection is not needed discard that unit. Do not store it for later use. Contact your doctor as soon as possible. Try to keep warm and avoid exertion. Tell the health care professional you have given yourself an injection of epinephrine. SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of the injection include slight nervousness and an increased heart rate soon after the injection. A pounding heartbeat, sweating, nausea, vomiting, breathing trouble, headache, dizziness and anxiety may also occur. Report chest pain (angina) to your doctor. Side effects of the tablet include drowsiness, blurred vision and dry mouth. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, thyroid disease, asthma, glaucoma, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal obstruction, prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, head trauma, diabetes, allergies. Diabetic patients may require an increase in dosage of their medication after using the injection. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or if breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: antidepressants, digoxin, mercurial diuretics (water pills), thyroid medication, antihistamines (like tripelennamine, diphenhydramine), beta-blockers (propranolol, etc.), phentolamine, ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Patients with severe allergies must be clearly instructed how and when to use this unit. Review the indications and administration procedures carefully with your doctor. Also teach a family member or close friend what to do in the event of an allergic reaction emergency. Do not try to force air out of the syringe or remove the needle cover until you are ready to use it. This is not to be injected into a vein. MISSED DOSE: Not applicable. STORAGE: Store this medication at a room temperature of approximately 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from heat and sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Avoid storing this in the glove compartment or trunk of your car in the summer. If the solution is not clear or turns brown, replace the unit. Check the expiration date periodically and replace the unit before it expires.